In a vote of 303-113, Congressmen secured the continuation of the occupation through FY2014, despite polls showing overwhelming public opposition to the war. Rep. Lee insisted that “the American people are far ahead of Congress” on the question.

Other related amendments were also up for debate, including a bipartisan amendment from Reps. Jim McGovern (D – MA) and Walter Jones (R – NC) which would have compelled the president to stick to his official “timetable” for withdrawing from Afghanistan.